The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 25, 2000
Filed:
Dec. 23, 1998
Robert A Lapke, Peoria, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
A system for monitoring the output power of an engine associated with a work machine based upon monitoring the input and output speeds of a torque converter or torque divider coupled to the engine, the present system including a first sensor for determining engine speed, a second sensor for determining the throttle position of the engine, a third sensor for determining the output speed of the torque converter or torque divider, and an electronic controller coupled to the first, second and third sensors for receiving signals therefrom, the controller comparing the actual engine speed and the actual torque converter or divider output speed at a particular throttle setting to an engine speed and converter/divider output speed indicative of optimal or desired engine power output at that same throttle position and thereafter outputting a signal to a monitoring/warning system indicative of low engine power performance when the controller receives a signal from the third sensor indicative of the converter/divider output speed being less than a predetermined converter/divider output speed based upon optimal or desired engine performance at that particular throttle position.